Haridopolos Expects Casino Bill to Reach Senate Floor

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, expects the highly controversial destination gaming bill to reach the Senate floor for a full up or down vote.

Some of my friends within the'leadership team' are for it, some are against it, Ive kind of let it be, Haridopolos told reporters Tuesday afternoon. What Im not going to allow happen is to simply not have a vote take place. People should, if they believe in their idea. Lets put it up for a vote.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 7-3 on Monday in support of the destination gaming bill, SB 710.

Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, who voted against the bill, said after the vote that he had no plan -- unless Haridopolos were to ask -- to put the bill before his Rules Committee.

The bill would reach the Rules Committee that Thrasher chairs if it clears its next stop: the Senate Budget Committee.

Haridopolos said his desire is for the bill to reach the Senate floor.

If its defeated in a committee, clearly, odds are it wouldnt pass the floor, Haridopolos said. From what I heard in the debate yesterday, some people have legitimate concerns about it. From the polling, I think people showed me today its a mixed bag as far as where the people are.